FDA won’t do that: Cybersecurity edition

The medical device industry should not treat cybersecurity as though it were a check box—and they may want to brush up on FDA’s role, says Seth Carmody, PhD, cybersecurity program manager at FDA.

FDA protects kids from illegal sales of e-cigarettes, e-liquids and cigars

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced in September 2016 it has taken action against 55 tobacco retailers by issuing the first warning letters for selling newly regulated tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, e-liquids and cigars, to minors.  These actions come about a month after the FDA began enforcing new federal regulations making it illegal nationwide to sell e-cigarettes, cigars, hookah tobacco, and other newly regulated tobacco products to anyone under age 18 in person and online, and requiring retailers to check photo ID of anyone under age 27, among other restrictions.

Drug-delivering contact lens reduces eye pressure in glaucoma

Glaucoma can be treated with daily eye drops, but their fiddly nature can affect patient adherence.  A team from Massachusetts has developed a drug-delivering contact lens that is at least as effective as daily eye drops in animal models.

Study: Sleep wearable could reduce PTSD risk

While sleep disturbance has long been considered a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), recent studies show it may also contribute to the condition.  Brain State Technologies presented data in August 2016 suggesting a wearable device for sleep optimization could decrease the risk of PTSD.